Tag Archives: Nivea

As much as I quite often adore my nightly cleansing regime, there’s some evenings that (let’s be honest gals) I just can’t be bothered with going overboard with the facial scrubs, or have decided upon a make-up free day and all I want to do is reach for my Micellar Water for a quick freshen up. The great thing about always having a bottle of Micellar Water close to hand is besides the fact that it’s a quick & easy peasy way to cleanse your face, it’s also widely known to be gentle on sensitive skin, a quick way to invigorate your face after a gruelling gym session or just for those lazy days…like the one’s I have much too often!

But which brand is best to buy? With Micellar Waters really taking off in recent months it seems every household name (supermarkets included) are jumping head first onto the cleansing water bandwagon. So with that in mind my mission began as I scoured the skin care shelves of my local stores to see what was on offer that was both affordable and easily picked up should I need a top up.

If truth be told, I wasn’t actually expecting much of a difference, after all how diverse could bottles of water really be? Surely they’d all be much of a muchness, right? Wrong. Comparing costs, with overall results I was pretty surprised by some of my findings. So if you’re on the hunt for a stash of Micellar Water then get yourself comfy and keep reading as I attempt to uncover which works best…

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Brand: Boots Botanics All Bright Micellar 3 in 1 Cleansing Lotion

Description: “This cleansing solution feels as gentle as water on the skin, to dissolve make up, unclog pores and remove impurities. Skin feels toned and smooth in one easy step. No rinsing required for use on the face, eyes and lips.

Hibiscus is nature’s brightness booster and a wonderful hue of pink. Natural AHA’s from the flower act as mild exfoliators to help leave skin smoother and brighter.

Our beauty scientists have worked with the world experts in plant science at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (England), to bring you beautiful, plant powered skin care that’s proven to work.”

(Source: Boots Website)

Size of bottle: 250ml

RRP: £4.49

Pros & Cons: Initially it was the pretty packaging that initially caught my eye. I love the clear bottle very subtly detailed with pictures of flowers, embracing that it’s been created alongside Kew Royal Botanical Gardens. This felt incredibly fresh on my skin and left no obvious signs of agitation whatsoever. It also done a wonderful job of removing my make-up quick and easily, without any residue.

Just be careful when opening, the bottle neck is quite open so a much higher chance of spillage!

Pros & Cons: I’ve been a huge fan of Nivea for quite some time now, and have to say they’ve rarely disappointed in quality and affordability. Their Micellar water worked a treat for me, removing my make-up quickly and effortless ease. My skin felt always felt really refreshed and smooth after cleansing. Overall a great water and well worth trying out!

Works Best For: Those with normal/dry skin, however can feel a little tightening on super-sensitive skin

Pros & Cons: As much as I hate to admit it, I’m really struggling to find positive feedback on this product. Firstly the packaging just doesn’t cut it for me. Compared to other products it looks outdated, bland and suspiciously like a bottle of nail varnish remover. As for the formula it really wasn’t much better as it felt oily, greasy and had a hint of perfume (which I assume is the chemical ingredients) even though it claims to be fragrance free. Not great at removing eye make-up either though it did an okay job at removing foundation. Sorry Superdrug, back to the drawing board with this one!

Rating:

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Brand: Boots Time Delay

Description: “This gentle Micellar cleansing water dissolves make-up and impurities in one easy step. It is gentle enough to use around the eyes, removes eye make-up and leaves skin clean, soft and hydrated.

Removes eye make-up

Contains soothing aloe vera.

Suitable for all skin types.

Fragrance and colour free.

Contains soothing aloe vera.

Fragrance and colour free and is suitable for all skin types.

Dermatologically tested.

For best results follow with Time Delay toner and your favourite Time Delay moisturiser.”

Works Best For: The brand seems directed at a more mature customer base, with it’s elegant packaging and classic typography. Best suited to those with combination skin that don’t wear heavy eye make-up or lashing of waterproof mascara.

Pros & Cons: Lovely packaging, adore the clear bottle – always gives an obvious indication of how much is left before hitting empty. Seemingly marketed for the slightly more ‘mature’ customer, however great for skin of any age in my opinion. Done a reasonably decent job of removing make-up, though struggled a little with mascara and darker coloured shadows. Also noticed that my skin felt a little tighter than usual after using.

Rating:

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Brand: Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Water

Description: “Water is natural and good for you, so Simple has decided to harness the power of water. Introducing the next generation of cleansing.

Simple’s unique triple-purified Micellar Cleansing Water enriched with minerals and multi-vitamins is especially designed to give the most effective cleanse, whilst hydrating the skin.

It actively works to attract make-up and impurities whilst unclogging pores and allowing your skin to breath.

Works Best For: Anyone with sensitive skin or prone to occasional breakouts.

Pros & Cons: This seems a great brand for younger or troublesome skin – in fact my 10 year old daughter loves using this regularly as she has incredibly sensitive skin that flares up with most face soaps, yet Simple’s skin care range has never given her anything to grumble about. However for me (with non trouble-some pores) oddly enough I didn’t take to this as well as some of the others. Don’t get me wrong it done a great job at removing make-up effectively however there always felt like a slight residue on my face afterwards. Otherwise it was great to use, and I’d certainly recommend it to those looking a nifty cleanser for highly sensitive skin!

Rating:

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Brand: Asda The Skin System Micellar Water

Description: “Deeply cleanse dry and sensitive skin with Asda Skin Systems’ Micellar Cleansing Water. With added Chamomile Extract to gently and effectively cleanse without leaving skin feeling dry or tight. This mild and caring formula is specially formulated with Aloe Vera, Pro Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E to help nourish and care for skin. Hypoallergenic and Dermatologically Tested. Can be used on all skin types.”

Works Best For: Hmm, tough skin that’s pretty resilient to sensitivity (?) Hard to recommend this brand as it was quite harsh after multiple uses.

Pros & Cons: Didn’t like this at all gals. Firstly, another bottle that looks almost twinned with my Tesco nail varnish remover. Formula seems harsh and very ineffective at removing both my mascara and full coverage foundation, ended up using it as a second stage cleanser after washing my face with Olay facial scrub. Almost always left my skin feeling tight & sensitive in patches.Would probably be better used as a cleanser if just wearing BB cream or something a little lighter, such as nothing at all!

Rating:

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Brand: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Description: “A super efficient and gentle way to cleanse, remove makeup, soothe the feel of skin and hydrate in just one step – it’s not magic, it’s Garnier Micellar!

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water contains micelles which act like magnets, gently lifting away makeup and impurities from the skin, without the need to rub or rinse. The result?

Beautifully cleansed and refreshed feeling skin in an instant. The formula is suitable for the face, eye area and lips, has no perfume and comes in a generous 400ml size.”

Works Best For: Pretty much everyone and anyone! Great on a multitude of skin types however if you’re prone to breakouts or have super sensitive skin opt for the Green Bottle version as it’s targeted for use with those issues.

Pros & Cons: I absolutely LOVE the Garnier Cleansing water. It’s such good value at a huge 400ml bottle for under a £5, however be sure to look around as often either Tesco, Superdrug or Boots will have it on offer. They also have a tiny travel bottle size which is ideal for popping into your gym or travel bag! This water does an outstanding job of removing all types of make-up & daily general build up, leaving skin feeling totally refreshed without any tightness, dryness or typical sensitivity reaction. Such great value & love the pretty packaging too. No cons for this clear winner. Woo hoo!

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Are you a fan of Micellar Water? If so what’s your favourite brand? Or is it something your still yet to try… maybe you’re just not keen on the idea of using a cleansing water in replace of your daily skincare?

Whatever your thoughts I’d love to read them in the comments below so don’t forget to stop by and say a quick hello. Wishing you all an awesome weekend 🙂

I seem to be lusting after plum colours right now, which is no shock whatsoever considering that autumn is my favourite time of the year. After almost an hour perusing the shelves of my local Superdrug store I invested my hard earned pennies in a few new delicious little items that would suit my pale skin & fall wardrobe perfectly; and there’s nothing quite like a splash of sumptuous plums and playful purples this time of the year! Let’s check out the menu…

1) Nivea Rich Moisturisning Day Cream: I always apply a small amount of this cream before adding my foundation. I find it helps keep my skin feeling hydrated & my make-up last longer. The perfect primer in my opinion!

2) Boots No 7 Beautifully Matte Foundation in Warm Ivory: Words cannot describe just how much I’m currently loving this foundation. Although it’s a full coverage matte formula it glides on with such ease, looks flawless, matches my skin perfectly and stay fresh looking throughout the entire day & night!

3) Collection Gorgeous Glow Blush Block: This is such a creamy blush that just seems to contain the perfect amount of glow and dewy looking shimmer to brighten up the apples of my cheeks. Hands down my favourite budget buy of the year… yes it’s THAT good.

4) L’Oreal Lumi Magique in Shade no. 2 Medium:I’m still currently in the testing stages of the Lumi Magique, but so far it hasn’t blown my socks off with the results… however it is a nice creamy formula & I am a fan of the brush applicator as opposed to the usual doe-foot. It does brighten up under my eyes, however for a fraction of the price the MUA dupe done a virtually identical job for a fraction of the price.

5) Sleek Face Form Contour Palette in Fair: Yet another new addition to my collection! When I initially tried this out I wasn’t entirely sure about the colour pay-off… it almost seemed to immediately evaporate into my skin without a hint of colour. Now that I’ve used it a few times I’m building up a much better relationship with it… shall keep you update on my final thoughts soon!

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1) Soap & Glory Archery Pencil: The well established dupe for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. This pencil is a super quick way of taming the brows; it gives a softly groomed finish that’s incredibly natural looking.

2) Seventeen Eye Eye in Funfair: This looks suspiciously like a mini blush pot in the picture rather than an eye-shadow. Unfortunately the camera isn’t picking up the gorgeous rose gold multi-tonal sheen, but I find it the perfect transition shade for blending softly into the crease.

5) MaxFactor False Lash Effect in Black: What a find… all thanks to the lovely Anne over at Doves & Roses for her recommendation – this gal really knows a thing or two about quality alternatives to high-end spending! I have literally fallen head over heels for this powerful lash lengthener. The rich black formula adds lashings of volume from root to tip and really does leave your lashes looking every bit as dramatic as falsies. Well worth the investment!

6) Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer in Light: I know, I know… it’s not exactly an eye product but I find this concealer exceptionally superb for tidying round my freshly sculpted brows for a clean shapely finish. Best applied with a small concealer brush & steady hand 😉

7) Rimmel Glam Eyes Professional Liquid Liner:With its ultra fine brush this jet black liner requires super precise application so shaky hands beware! My absolute staple liner – nothing has came close to rivalling it’s staying power and sleek finish. A make-up must have for any winged liner lover.

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1) Collection Work The Colour Lip Butter in Perfectly Plum: Just as the name suggests, this really is the perfect shade of plum for a pop of autumnal colour. Even the palest of skin can rock this sassy shade as it’s not too dark to drain the complexion. It’s super moisturising and makes the ideal balmy top coat to keep your lips feeling totally hydrated.

2) MUA Power Pout Acrylic in Potency: For those of you who love a deep damson coloured lip the ultra rich colour of this liquid style lippy is fierce. Incredible staying power I put a very light layer and blotted it heavily with a tissue before apply my balmy top coat of Collection lip butter (see above details) Beware ladies, this colour applied straight from the tube isn’t for the faint hearted!

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So there you have it ladies… my soft plum look to kick start the autumn. What’s your favourite make-up shade of the season?

After last Fridays post, The Must-Have Eye-Shadow Trio, quite a few of you lovely ladies were rather intrigued about the pigmentation & quality of these affordable mini compacts. Not being one to turn down an opportunity to get dolled up (and as I’m rocking the warm peach sherbet tones right now) what better excuse to create a quick look for this weeks Make-Up Menu? Heck, you might even take some inspiration by re-creating this warm summery look over the weekend too. Why not!

Okay, so here’s the menu gals…

Nivea Intense Moisturising Day Cream – I use a small amount of this intense moisturising cream before applying any cosmetics to my skin as it helps keeps my face hydrated and make-up lasting longer. Don’t forget to leave it absorb into the skin before layering on Foundation etc!

Boots No 7 Beautifully Matte – My current go-to foundation. This literally knocks the spots clean off all others I’ve tried over this last few months… yep, I’ve finally found ‘The One’ gals! *wipes away tears of joy* Affordable, flawless & long lasting. Perfection in a pump.

Soap & Glory Kickass Concealer – Not by any means a full coverage concealer, however what it does do is very lightly cover blemishes and adds a little dewiness to the complexion. Initially I wasn’t entirely sure if I’d repurchase it again but now I’m really beginning to like it a lot!

Soap & Glory Peach Party – There’s always that one item in your make-up collection that you use sparingly because it’s just so darn beautiful & you don’t want it to end… and that’s exactly how I feel about this blush. If you’re on the lookout for something to add a soft peachy glow to your cheeks then look no further, it’s beautiful.

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MUA Eye-shadow primer – Keeping it in the MUA family today ladies. I’ll admit I’ve read mixed reviews about this eye-shadow primer but I have to say it’s doing an outstanding job for me; great for an everyday pocket-savvy primer.

MUA Under-eye Concealer – A new addition to my collection (after hunting high & low for the L’Oreal Lumi wand without success) Once again MUA have *really* impressed me… this noticeably brightens up my under eye area & helps luminate my cheek bones for a bright & dewy look.

Rimmel Glam Eyes Professional Liquid Liner – My go to liquid liner for those hard to master cat flicks. The brush is incredibly precise & the formula is the perfect creamy consistency for jet black coverage.

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Rimmel London 077 Asia – I’ve literally been in love with this shade from the first time it glided over my lips at the tender age of 13! Almost 20 years later & it’s still one of my all time favourite Rimmel lippies. Rich, creamy & long lasting – what’s not to love?

Tanya Burr, Picnic In The Park – Such a pretty pink that adds the perfect layer of blush-tinted gloss to any pout. Long lasting & not overly sticky, I’ll definitely be checking out some more of her range gloss range! Have you got a favourite?

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Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge – A complete game changer when it comes to applying makeup. If you’re craving an airbrushed finish then look no further, this little egg shaped sponge is photoshop for your foundation. Yes, it really is!

Real Techiques Cheek Brush – One of my favourite blushes, especially for contouring the hollow of my cheek bones with a skimming of bronzer or adding a pop of blush to the apples. So versatile!

Barry M Shadow Brush – Such a handy little shadow companion for adding the darker shades on the outer crease to give some depth and definition.

Lamora Blender Brush – Blends everything together seamlessly. Check out my post on this set of bargain beauty brushes, such a great affordable find!

Eyelash Curlers – Nothing fancy about this little pair… does a great job at curling the lashes prior to mascara application. Simples.

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There you have it ladies, this week’s Make-Up Menu based around Peach Sherbet tones. I’m such a huge fan of these warm peachy-pink & earthy colours, they never fail to brighten up my pale complexion. Have you tried any of the products above? What’s your favourite make-up look at the moment?